Written by Simran Dolwani
Gone are the days when pregnant women were advised to avoid exercise and rest most of the time. With advancement, all the myths are busted. Nowadays light-moderate exercises are prescribed to expectant mothers in order to stay active and fit. However, it is equally important to know when not to exercise during pregnancy.
Most mothers can exercise safely during their pregnancy as long as the doctors do not advise against it. It is important to know when not to exercise during pregnancy. However, rigorous workouts are prohibited during pregnancy. Mild exercises have a soothing effect on the health of the mother as well as the baby. Here we discuss briefly the truism about what is safe and what is not.
In This Article
Keeping up your regular physical workout routine or exercises is safe during pregnancy. Mild to moderate activities like walking or yoga ease pregnancy while enhancing your and your baby’s overall health. You may consider exercising as long as you are comfortable. In fact, it has been seen that physically active pregnant women can experience benefits such as fast postpartum recovery, decreased gestational diabetes mellitus, and operational vaginal delivery (1). However, it’s crucial to go for regular checkups and consult your doctor before beginning your workout routine.
Some health conditions or pregnancy complications may call for you to not exercise in the interest of your and your baby’s health. If any such health condition persists, it is advisable to consult your gynecologist before exercising.
Below is a list of conditions where exercising should be refrained from, and done only if the doctor suggests to:
Also, avoid exercising if you have
Pre-eclampsia or PIH (pregnancy-induced hypertension)
Knowing the right way to exercise during pregnancy, enhances your workout experience. Here are some of the important tips to keep in mind while exercising.
Although exercising is safe and good for you and your growing baby, certain exercises should be prohibited. Here are a few exercise poses that must be avoided in pregnancy.
Sports or physical activities that involve the risk of falling or injury shouldn’t be in your workout routine. Sports like horse-riding, cycling, contact sports, etc., should be avoided (5).
Advanced abdominal moves like double leg lifts and full sit-ups may exert force on your core. This may cause pain and discomfort; hence, it’s good to avoid them.
Bouncing, jumping, bouncy stretching, and sudden jerky activities may impose a risk of slipping or falling. As the pregnancy proceeds, the center of gravity shifts from normal due to the growing bump. Further, ligaments become slightly loose during pregnancy. This causes a lack of control and coordination, thereby increasing the risk of injury (6).
As the pregnancy progresses, your center of gravity shifts as you carry more weight. You feel exhausted very soon. You should be careful while doing exercises and should not do it for very long. So retire as you tire out. Another point to remember is to eat and drink properly before doing a workout. This affects your baby’s movements
There are some alarming signs that should be borne in mind while you exercise:
Doing mild to moderate exercises during pregnancy is safe and can be beneficial for your and your baby’s well-being. However, it’s better not to exercise in pregnancy in case of high-risk pregnancies or specific health issues. It’s great to seek medical guidance before planning for a workout session.
Exercising is safe throughout the pregnancy. However, it’s good to avoid exercise if you experience discomfort, dizziness, headache, heart palpitations, etc. Moreover, if you have any pre-existing health issues, consult your doctor immediately.
Most women decline physical activity in the third trimester. However, you can avoid exercising if you feel uneasy at any stage. Listen to your body and see your healthcare provider.
You can start exercising anytime once you’re comfortable. You can prepare your body slowly and gradually while ensuring your comfort.
References –
Using Indian Toilet During Pregnancy – Safe or Not?
Stomach Ulcers During Pregnancy
Colon Cleansing During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?
COVID During Pregnancy – Does it Affect the Baby and Preventive Steps
Elderberry During Pregnancy – Benefits & Side Effects
Amniotomy During Labor – Why is it Performed, Risks and Complications
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